Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists use plants, animals and micro-organisms, as well as biological processes, to create products for pharmaceutical, agricultural, diagnostic and environmental use.

Biotechnologists may perform the following tasks:

study the genetic, chemical, physical and structural composition of cells, tissues and organisms
identify ways in which organisms and biological processes can be used to create new medicines, vaccines, foods, fuels and pharmaceutical products
develop diagnostic tools to rapidly detect diseases
use bacteria, enzymes and other organisms for a range of industrial uses, including agricultural production, food production and waste removal
cross-breed animals and plants to encourage beneficial characteristics such as disease resistance, improved nutrition and accelerated environmental adaptation
conduct research and experiments in the fields of genetic modification and biomolecular engineering, which involves altering the genetic make-up of plants and animals
conduct human stem cell research with the aim of treating or preventing illnesses
use biological engineering processes to create biological products for commercial use, such as biomaterials, chemicals or fuels.

Personal Requirements:

enjoy and have aptitude for science and research
able to think logically and analytically
able to carry out detailed and accurate work
good communication skills
able to solve problems and think creatively
able to work as part of a team and independently
able to grasp ethics of scientific research involving humans.

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